Chords with lyrics
Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E)
Verse:
E minorEm G+G
Down in Old Wapping docks, near the banks and the rocks
D MajorD E minorEm
Where the gibbets use to sing across the Thames
E minorEm G+G
Every now and every then with a silver oar with them
D MajorD E minorEm
The Marshals come to visit our block
Verse:
E minorEm G+G
If you cannot pay your rent, off to prison you'll be sent
D MajorD E minorEm
Where the gaolers entertain you in their stoney hall
E minorEm G+G
Like the tattooed one armed creature, they call the Newgate Preacher
D MajorD E minorEm
For his tales of liberty he must repent
Chorus:
G+G D MajorD
Hear the royal drums beat and the marching of their feet
E minorEm G+G D MajorD
A augmentedA procession is coming down on High Street
G+G D MajorD
And bound to depart they have shackled to their cart
C majorC B minorBm E minorEm
The poor lad who is heading for the docks
Verse:
E minorEm G+G
But for my own felony, there will be no clemency
D MajorD E minorEm
As a gentleman of fortune I did serve
E minorEm G+G
Now I’m rolling out of jail, and my final quart of ale
D MajorD E minorEm
Has been paid for by the Marshall Deputy
Chorus:
G+G D MajorD
Hear the royal drums beat and the marching of their feet
E minorEm G+G D MajorD
A augmentedA procession is coming down on High Street
G+G D MajorD
And bound to depart they have shackled to their cart
C majorC B minorBm E minorEm
The poor lad who is heading for the docks
Verse:
E minorEm G+G
For this morbid dalliance, In hope to catch a glance
D MajorD E minorEm
My audience has come to see my dance
E minorEm G+G
Like the withered William Kidd, who I'll now be hanging with
D MajorD E minorEm
As the cart towards the docks has well advanced
Verse:
E minorEm G+G
I can see my house from here. See, I grew up over there
D MajorD E minorEm
And I'm still a whipping boy, to this I swear
E minorEm G+G
As the chaplain reads his prayers, I climb the wooden stairs
D MajorD E minorEm
And my true love stands there staring at the snare
Chorus:
G+G D MajorD
Hear the royal drums beat and the marching of their feet
E minorEm G+G D MajorD
A augmentedA procession is coming down on High Street
G+G D MajorD
And bound to depart they have shackled to their cart
C majorC B minorBm E minorEm
The poor lad who is heading for the docks
Chorus:
G+G D MajorD
Oh close your eyes walk away now my love
E minorEm G+G D MajorD
Don’t be here when the tide leaves in the morning
G+G D MajorD
And I'll see you at the heavenly gates
C majorC B minorBm E minorEm
Where my face will be as handsome as today
Chorus:
G+G D MajorD
Hear the royal drums beat and the marching of their feet
E minorEm G+G D MajorD
A augmentedA procession is coming down on High Street
G+G D MajorD
And bound to depart they have shackled to their cart
C majorC B minorBm E minorEm
The poor lad who is heading for the docks
Chorus:
G+G D MajorD
Hear the royal drums beat and the marching of their feet
E minorEm G+G D MajorD
A augmentedA procession is coming down on High Street
G+G D MajorD
And bound to depart they have shackled to their cart
C majorC B minorBm E minorEm
The poor lad who is heading for the docks